Michigan Keystone ICU Project

Intravenous news: HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today released the first in a series of health care â€œsuccess story reports that document innovative programs and initiatives that can serve as models for a reformed American health care system. The inaugural report highlights the Michigan Keystone ICU Project. A joint partnership between the Michigan Health & Hospital Association and the Johns Hopkins University, the Michigan Keystone ICU Project helped dramatically reduce the number of health care associated infections in Michigan, saving over 1,500 lives and $200 million.

We know there are tremendous examples of efficient, high-quality health care in America today. Our challenge is spreading these good examples across the country, said Sebelius. â€œOur reports will showcase success stories like the Michigan Keystone ICU Project and highlight how health reform can improve the quality of care for all Americans.

Medical errors including health care associated infections claim the lives of nearly 100,000 patients in America every year and patient safety measures have worsened by nearly 1 percent each year for the past decade. The Michigan Keystone ICU Project worked to make patient care safer in over 100 ICUs in the state of Michigan. The project targeted a specific type of infection that ICU patients can get while in the hospital: catheter-related bloodstream infections. To help reduce these infections, the project worked to ensure clinicians used a simple checklist when inserting catheters into ICU patients.